Key men at the centre of South Sudan’s unified command
President Salva Kiir finally appointed individuals to the unified command structure to eventually create a pathway for the overdue graduation of the necessary unified forces. The trainees are currently languishing in training centres across the country, and with a unified command; their pass out now looks imminent.
A total of 31 generals were appointed on Tuesday evening to the lucrative positions shared by the partners in the revitalised peace agreement. They include 15 appointees picked for the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces’ (SSPDF), four for the National Police, six for the National Security Service, and two each for the Prisons Service, Wildlife Service, and Civil Defence Force.
Key among them is Gen. Santino Deng Wol, who retained his position as the Chief Defence Forces (CDF). He has been vested with the responsibility of overseeing the transformation of the forces into a professional army, as envisaged by the revitalised peace agreement.
According to President Kiir’s decrees, other generals in Bilpham SSPDF headquarters to help Gen. Deng in his oversight role will include Gen. Gabriel Duop Lam (Deputy Chief of Defence Forces), Gen Koang Gatkuoth Kerjok (Inspector General), Lt Gen. Thoy Chany Reat (Assistant CDF for Operations), Gen Peter Dor Majur (Cdr Sector to Malakal), Gen. James Koang Chuol (Assistant CDF for Training and Research), Gen Stephen Marshal Babanen (Chief of Military Intelligence), Gen. Malual Majok (Assistant CDF for Administration and Finance), Gen. Ernest Dut Wol (Director for Procurement), Gen. Al-Tayib Gatluak (Director for Military Production), ( Gen Thiik Achiek- Commander of Ground Forces), Rabi Majung Emmanuel (Commander of Air force), Gen. Wesley Welebe Samson (Assistant CDF for Logistics), Gen. Ashab Khamis Fahal (Assistant CDF for Moral Orientation), and Lt Gen. Garang Ayii Akol (Commander for Riverine units).
In the unified command structure of the National Police Service, the following generals were appointed: Gen. Benjamin John Batisto (Assistant IGP for Social Welfare), Gen. James Duop Gatleak Koryom (Assistant IGP for Training), Gen. Peter Gasango (Assistant IGP for Medical Services), and Gen. Dr Olaw Adiang Nyijok (Assistant IGP for Borders Police).
The unified command structure of the National Security Service included the incumbent director-general of the Internal Security Bureau, and five other generals to lead the critical institutions in charge of both internal and external security of the country.
They are Gen. Akol Koor Kuch (Director-General of the Internal Security Bureau), Gen. Yiei Dak Wiu – (Deputy Director-General for Intelligence Operations), Gen. Louis Natale (Deputy Director-General for Administration and Finance), Gen. Simon Yien Makuac (Director-General of the General Intelligence Bureau), Gen. Khalid Botrous Bora (Deputy Director of the General Intelligence Bureau), and Gregory Deng Kuch (Deputy Director for Finance and Administration at the General Intelligence Bureau).
For the unified command structure of the National Wildlife services were Gen. Khamis Adiang (Director-General) and Gen. Pur Tach Chak (Deputy Director-General).
In the unified command structure of the National Prisons Service, there were appointees such as Gen. Henry Kuany Aguer (Director General) and Gen. John Jok Gai (Deputy Director-General).
The president also appointed two generals also to the unified command structure of the National Civil Defence Service. They include: Gen. Jameson Stephen Lupai (Commissioner) and Gen. Stephen Pal Kun Keak (Deputy Commissioner).
Key man for unified command
Gen. Santino Wol Deng (Chief of Defence Forces)—Gen. Deng, one of the prominent senior South Sudan army commanders, became SSPDF Chief of Defence Forces in 2021. He had served as a Lion Division Commander between 2007 and 2017, when he was transferred to serve as the Assistant Defence Force for Administration, Finance, and Personnel. He was one of the generals sanctioned by the US for allegedly playing roles in the 2013 crisis, which resulted in atrocities.
